CSRS

Q. I started planning on retirement hoping to hold out for my 80 percent next year, but my recent illness has changed my plans. I have used up all my sick and annual leave, which is one of the major reasons for retiring. I am at the Defense Department. While still at work, I was put in contact with a “mentor” for lack of a better word — I contacted her from home with no replies. I do not want to mess up my retirement, TSP and everything else. Any advice?

A. If your objective is to retire now, go to www.opm.gov, click on Find Form(s) and download a copy of Standard Form 2801. Complete the form and take or send it to your personnel office. They can then process the paperwork and send it to OPM.